Chapter 1 Summary and Analysis

The South Bronx Division receives an alarm for a large fire in an apartment on Kelly Street. The firemen all quickly begin to pull on their boots and gloves. They rush to their truck and are on their way. Just as the firemen reach their destination, a young man runs out on fire, screaming in agony. Fire Chief Solwin and Fire Captain Frimes enter the fiery building along with their men. Black smoke is covering the upper floors, forcing the firemen to lie on their stomachs on the floor where the last visage of oxygen remains. As soon as the water begins to spray away the smoke, more oxygen will be available.

The Chief senses that someone is in a locked apartment. Two firemen work on the door, but because of a special lock, they have trouble getting into the door...